Central African Republic villages attacked

2012-05-21 22:30

Bangui - A government official says assailants believed to be from Chad burned down two villages in the neighbouring Central African Republic, killing three people.

Ninga-Wong Mallo, a lawmaker from the African nation's Batangafo region said the attack occurred on Sunday. The attackers included Chadian herders known as the "Mbarara" as well as fighters belonging to the rebel Republic Popular Front, led by an ex-Chadian general.

The deputy, who spoke to The Associated Press by telephone, said attackers burnt the villages of Bafondo and Gofo, both in the district of Batangafo, around 400km north of the capital, Bangui.

She said one person was killed in Gofo and two in Bafondo. The granaries were also set on fire as was the Catholic chapel.